Police: Suspect drives into Opelika house during high-speed chase

A 31-year-old man was fleeing from an Auburn traffic stop when he crashed overnight into an Opelika house at intersection of North 17th Street and Second Avenue, according to a press release from the Opelika Police Department.

Jotavious Brontae Rowell of Opelika was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary after he drove into the home without injuring anyone inside. He was booked into the Lee County Jail.

Additional charges against Rowell are pending, according to the release.

Opelika Police Capt. Shane Healey said Auburn police attempted to stop the blue color Ford 500 passenger car for an equipment violation. Opelika police were called to the area of Pepperell Parkway near the city limits around 12:11 a.m. today to assist the department in their pursuit of the vehicle.

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Opelika officers said they spotted the driver, who authorities identified as Rowell, speeding at the intersection of Pepperell Parkway and 24th Street before continuing east into town and crashing into a house at the corner of North 17th Street and Second Avenue.

Healey said Rowell exited the vehicle and ran into an occupied residence in the 100 block of North 17th Street and then fled from the home. Police chased him on foot and captured him a short distance way, according to the release.